TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A majority of students under the New Southbound industry-academia cooperation programs remain in Taiwan after graduation, according to the Ministry of Education
While reporting to the Legislative Yuan on Wednesday, Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) said that the programs have produced 6,128 graduates across eight classes so far, CNA reported. Of these, 4,692 are employed, with an average employment rate of 77%. A total of 4,019 graduates (66%) stayed in Taiwan for work and became talent needed by local industries. Meanwhile, 673 (11%) have returned to their home countries for employment.
Among those not currently employed, the ministry said that 520 graduates (8%) continued their studies in Taiwan, while 916 (15%) returned to their home countries for further education or are still seeking jobs.
Fifty-six universities established programs to train 29,345 students from New Southbound countries between 2017 and 2024. In the first semester of the 2025 academic year, there were 90 classes with 3,149 students enrolled in those programs.
The ministry said it encourages universities to establish these specialized programs based on industry needs. The programs recruit students from New Southbound countries to study in Taiwan and, through coursework and internships, help them adapt early to Taiwan’s corporate culture so they can enter the workforce upon graduation.
Cheng added that the ministry established nationwide consultation channels at colleges and universities, including hotlines in Mandarin, English, Vietnamese, and Indonesian, as well as an online feedback mailbox. Starting from the 2025 academic year, subsidies will also be provided to universities to hire dedicated staff to support international students.
